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Impala Multiple-point Statistics Facies Modeling
White Paper - Impala MPS Plugin
Impala© is an exciting next generation facies modeling module in JewelSuite™, using Multiple-Point Statistics (MPS) technology. The integration of this module is the result of a strategic partnership between JOA Oil & Gas B.V. and Ephesia Consult SA.
MPS is rapidly becoming the tool of choice for facies modeling in the E&P industry, and has significant advantages over object-based and 2-point voxel-based modeling techniques. MPS simulations can be effectively conditioned to external data in the form of wells, 3D facies proportion and depositional azimuth data, and at the same time produce complex and laterally persistent patterns as observed in outcrops and present day analogues.
MPS facies modeling involves two steps: first a 2D or 3D ‘training image’ is analyzed for facies patterns occurring, secondly the registered patterns are used to compose a simulation model, honoring external data. A clear benefit to geological users is that valid MPS models can be generated without detailed knowledge of the underlying math and statistical assumptions, concentrating more on geological concepts.
Impala is superior to other MPS implementations in 2 critical areas:
- Impala supports the use of ‘trend’ or ‘auxiliary’ properties, which means that non-stationary training images can be used to generate simulations containing complex trends. This approach is far more intuitive and easier to control than facies proportions. It also is a vital enabler for nested simulations, i.e. first modeling large-scale patterns and then filling in details.
- Conventional MPS simulations are computation and memory intensive. The performance of Impala, however, is greatly optimized, by using a list approach rather than the common search tree approach and full parallelization, making efficient use of multiple processors and clusters. Both improvements facilitate simulation of big models with many facies.
In the Impala module of JewelSuite™, training images are separate 3D grids that are detached from the actual simulation model. This set-up facilitates easy exchange of training images between projects, e.g. import from a library of training images for various depositional geometries.
The implementation of Impala in JewelSuite gives significant additional benefits:
- Workflow guidance: The Impala plug-in interface provides detailed access for the expert and tested defaults for newer users.
- Efficiency: common controls like that for depositional azimuth are wrapped into intuitive GUI’s and powerful automated methods.
- Ease of Use: extensive Graphical Editor options make it easy and even fun to build 2D/3D training models.
- Simulations can be updated for user-defined regions, e.g. around new wells